The NPL/SEPnet Summer School took place 4-5 June 2025 at the National Physical Laboratory, Bushy House, Teddington, Middlesex.

PGRs from the NPL Postgraduate Institute and SEPnet attended this event and Aparna Parakkad Unnikrishnan, SME-DTN PhD Student from the University of Surrey shares her experience:

"Attending the NPL/SEPnet Summer School was a truly enriching experience. The program offered a great mix of insightful talks, hands-on activities, and networking opportunities with fellow PGRs from across the region. It was both intellectually stimulating and genuinely enjoyable.

One of the standout moments for me was Dr Jess Wade’s inspiring talk on “Making Science Accessible”, which emphasised the importance of inclusive communication in science. The “Career Skills Workshop using LEGO Serious Play” was an unexpected highlight. It really encouraged us to think outside the box and express ideas in new, imaginative ways.

The interactive nature of the event, along with the welcoming atmosphere, made it easy to engage and learn from both the speakers and peers. I would highly recommend this summer school to any postgraduate researcher looking to broaden their horizons and connect with the wider scientific community."

Thank you Aparna! Hope your experience will encourage future PhD students to attend the next NPL/SEPnet Summer School!

The National Physical Laboratory Postgraduate Institute and SEPnet Summer School took place on 4-5 June at the National Physical Laboratory, Bushy House in Teddington, Middlesex.

 Two days of interactive workshops:

·        Innovative Researcher:  Dr Jacque Durrant, Skillfluence;

·        Making Science Accessible; Dr Jess Wade. Imperial College, London;

·        Pitch like a Pro:  Leah Chapman, NPL University Liaison Manager;

·        Career Skills workshop using LEGO:  Dr Helen Murugan, Development Officer for PostGraduate Institute for Measurement Science and Linden Fradet Strategic Business Engagement Manager;

·        An industry innovation showcase networking evening celebrating 125 Years of NPL.

Thank you to NPL alumni guest speakers for insightful talks on their career paths:

 ·       Dr Rhian Canavan, Tritium Leader, UKAEA;

·        Dr Alex Hill, Senior Scientist & Optical Design Engineer, Max Planck Light & Photonics Precision Engineering;

·        Dr Ilana Wisby; Quantum and Deep Tech Entrepreneur, CEO, MOTH

Rhian and Ilana are both former SEPnet PGRs who had done SEPnet placements during their PhDs which had set them on their current paths.  They valued the experience and encouraged attendees to make the most of placement opportunities before the end of their PhDs. Ilana also attended SEPnet’s inaugural Summer School in July 2014 at NPL when she was a PhD student at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Thank you to Helen, Linden, the PGI Admin Team and the PGI ambassadors for inviting SEPnet to collaborate on this joint event and delivering a fantastic programme!

Great to see so many PGRs taking time away from their PhD studies!  Attendees said they were thankful to the organisers for “curating a dynamic and intellectually rich experience”.

SEPnet looks forward to collaborating in the future with NPL PGI!